2013 NBA Mock Draft: Most Likely First-Round Picks for Every NBA Team

With the NBA playoffs just around the corner, it is time for many teams to devote the majority of their focus to the draft on June 27.

The NCAA tournament is underway, and there could be a few performances that alter prospect perception—for the good and bad—but most NBA teams already know where they are lacking.

Looking ahead to contract situations, aging and talent deficiencies, we can see what position(s) each NBA team should be targeting. Injuries and other events can change things, but this mock draft is based on the most likely selections as of now.

The draft lottery won't be determined until May 21, so the top-14 picks in the draft are ordered based on record as of March 21. Also, traded picks are acknowledged with the exception of some conditional swaps.

Considering the NBA season isn't over, teams that are set to relinquish picks based on making or not making the playoffs will still have their picks if their current record would place them in the playoffs.

I've spotlighted some selections that could potentially make the most impact in the first year. Those picks will feature an image.

With all the disclaimers out of the way, here is my latest first round NBA mock draft.

1. Charlotte Bobcats—SG, Ben McLemore, 6'5", 195 pounds—Kansas

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The Bobcats need a star. Kemba Walker has had a nice season, and this isn't to say that McLemore would dwarf Walker's presence on the team, but the dynamic wingman would probably lead the Bobcats in scoring as a rookie.

He's almost certain to appear on his share of Sportscenter highlights because of his explosive leaping ability.

Ultimately, Charlotte needs to add the most-talented players available, and no player in this draft class has a higher ceiling than McLemore.

If the Bobcats draft him and he and Walker have success next season, it will likely prompt the Bobcats to pick up Walker's option beyond the 2013-14 season.

This could be a very exciting backcourt in Charlotte for the next five years. This is an example of McLemore at his best.

Which player has the best chance to win the 2013-14 Rookie of the Year?

Which player has the best chance to win the 2013-14 Rookie of the Year?

Ben McLemore

45.8%

Shabazz Muhammad

25.4%

Otto Porter

14.3%

Marcus Smart

14.5%

Total votes: 5,038

Yes, Noel suffered a season-ending knee injury in his freshman year at Kentucky, and yes, he needs to add bulk for the rigors of the NBA game. But he is potentially the most dominant defensive player in the draft.

He has the ability to control games with his shot-blocking and rebounding, and that is extremely valuable.

The Magic already have Nikola Vucevic, who is averaging a double-double this season, but his presence shouldn't deter the Magic from drafting Noel.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers—SF, Otto Porter, 6'8", 210 pounds—Georgetown

Porter's consistency, versatility and clutch play have made him the top small forward prospect in the draft. He lit up Syracuse for 33 points on the road in a performance that spoke volumes.

The Cavs need a capable wingplayer in the worst way, and Porter fits the bill.

It is hard to determine what the Kings will do as much of their future depends on what they plan to do with DeMarcus Cousins. He's incredibly talented, but he's also disruptive, unprofessional and immature.

The Kings could take Alex Len here which would likely precipitate a Cousins' deal, but I think they'll take the best point guard prospect on the board.

I love Carter-Williams' bounce and playmaking. He's dishing out 7.8 assists per game this season. This was one of the best dunks of the year.

ESPN

10. Philadelphia 76ers—PG/SG, C.J. McCollum, 6'3", 192 pounds—Lehigh

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

This is a pick and union that just should happen. This doesn't just make sense because McCollum hails from Lehigh, which is just a little over an hour from Philadelphia.

It also makes sense because the Sixers desperately need another scorer. They already have Jrue Holiday, and he's been great this season, but McCollum is an exceptional offensive player.

Before he went down with an injury on Jan. 5 that cost him the remainder of his senior season, he was averaging 23.9 points per game. In four years he never averaged less than 19 points.

At times the Sixers could play both Holiday and McCollum in the backcourt together, but ideally the rookie would be a great sixth man early in his career.

He certainly has some Jamal Crawford qualities to his game, and he'd be a perfect fit in Philly. Take a look at some highlights of McCollum's skills.

Which big man has the highest bust potential?

Which big man has the highest bust potential?

Alex Len

Mason Plumlee

Isaiah Austin

I'm not the biggest Len fan, but for what the Thunder need in the middle, he could thrive if he's selected here.

The team doesn't need a ton of help offensively, but Len does have the touch in the post to at least keep low-post defenders honest.

With the amount of attention required to handle Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, Len could operate with little pressure on most possessions.

This would be a sensible selection for the Thunder considering they lack depth in the middle.

12. Dallas Mavericks—SF/PF, Anthony Bennett - 6'7", 240 pounds—UNLV

I still really like Bennett's offensive game and athleticism, but his tock seems to have fallen a bit. He is a bit undersized for the power forward position, but he has the strength and arm length to be effective on the post.

The Mavs need to add pieces for the future, as it would seem all of their current impact players are with the team for the short term.

Austin is an intriguing prospect because of his length, athleticism and ability to make shots on the perimeter.

That said, he is rail thin, and I question if he'll ever be anything more than a stretch-4 like a more athletic Charlie Villanueva.

Even if that is his ceiling, he'd add some scoring punch for the Bobcats' second unit, and his length would be an asset on defense.

14. Utah Jazz—PG, Trey Burke 6'0", 180 pounds—Michigan

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Burke may very well win National Player of the Year, but unless he engineers a deep run for Michigan in the NCAA tournament, he'll likely be a fringe lottery pick.

Despite that, he's still a solid point guard prospect that makes tons of sense for Utah. The Jazz have only Alec Burks under contract after this season at point guard, and he has never solidified himself as the man at lead guard.

Burke could be stepping into a great situation in Utah.

15. Milwaukee Bucks—C, Kelly Olynyk 7'0", 255 pounds—Gonzaga

Olynyk may be the most-skilled big man in the draft. He isn't the athlete Noel and Zeller are, but his game has the most polish.

The Bucks will lack depth at center once Samuel Dalembert and Joel Przybilla are free agents this summer, and Larry Sanders would be better suited as a power forward.

He and Olynyk would complement each other nicely.

16. Los Angeles Lakers—PF/C, Mason Plumlee - 6'11", 245 pounds—Duke

The Lakers look to be on track to keep their pick by making the playoffs.

Obviously the team's first order of business will be to re-sign Dwight Howard. Whether or not it accomplishes that goal, it could still stand to add some depth to the frontcourt.

Plumlee is a freakish leaper who plays without fear close to the basket. He has good upside and would be a nice selection and a crowd favorite at the Staples Center.

Franklin may be one of the most underrated prospects in the nation. He rebounds like a forward (9.5 per game), has tremendous athleticism and the ability to explode offensively.

The Hawks will need to add scoring from the perimeter, and Franklin could be a major surprise as a rookie.

22. Brooklyn Nets—SF/PF, Alex Poythress, 6'7", 220 pounds—Kentucky

Though his game lacks some refinement, Poythress is strong and athletic. He can be a terror on the baselines and as a cutter.

Offensively, his game reminds me of Ronnie Brewer, and that profile would make for a valuable member of the Nets' rotation.

23. New York Knicks—C, GorguiDieng, 6'10", 245 pounds—Louisville

Nate Shron/Getty Images

Deng's effect on the defensive end is undeniable. He contests at the rim as well as any player in the draft, and he can control the glass.

Tyson Chandler has been in the NBA for 11 years, and this season his body has begun to show wear and tear.

The backup centers in Gotham are all elderly by NBA standards (Marcus Camby 39 years old and Kurt Thomas is 40).

The team needs some youth in the middle to serve as Camby's backup, and potential replacement should he miss extended time due to injury.

24. Indiana Pacers—SG, Archie Goodwin, 6'5", 195 pounds—Kentucky

The Pacers could part with Danny Granger this offseason—or the next— and slide Paul George back into the small forward position.

Lance Stephenson has been decent for the team at shooting guard, but adding an athletic, attacking player like Goodwin would be a great move.

He's still improving as a player, but he's already shown the ability to get to the rim and free-throw line consistently. As a freshman, he averaged 6.4 free throw attempts per game.

25. Los Angeles Clippers—C, Jeff Withey, 7'0", 255 pounds—Kansas

This could be a huge get for the Clippers late in the first round. The team lacks depth at center behind DeAndre "Brandon Knight Abuser" Jordan. Drafting Withey would not only add depth, but it would give the second unit a shot-blocking big.

If this happens, Withey just may sneak on to the NBA All-Rookie team in the 2013-14 season.

Which international prospect will have the biggest impact in the NBA?

Sergey KarasevDario SaricRudy GobertSubmit Votevote to see results

Which international prospect will have the biggest impact in the NBA?

Sergey Karasev

14.0%

Dario Saric

44.1%

Rudy Gobert

41.9%

Total votes: 1,347

26. Denver Nuggets—SF, SergeyKarasev, 6'7", 205 pounds—Triumph Moscow

Denver's current 14-game win streak is almost as amazing as the Miami Heat's current run considering they don't have the marquee names on their roster.

The direction the team goes will have a lot to do with whether Andre Iguodala opts out. It seems like Denver is a good fit for him, and I can see him staying, but we don't know for sure.

The Nuggets could take Karasev, who is one of the few standout international prospects in this year's draft. He's shown the ability to score, create and attack at his current level, and he's just 20 years old.

Kevin Martin is a free agent at the end of the season, and while the Thunder may have a chance to re-sign him, taking KCP as insurance is not a bad idea.

He has shown a penchant for tough defense and playing the passing lanes. He averaged two steals per game this season, and he's an exceptional athlete. Take a look at this incredible slam from the 2011-12 season.

His game would mesh well with the Thunder.

YouTube: Dunks of the Year

29. San Antonio Spurs—C, Rudy Gobert, 7'1", 235 pounds—Cholet

Tim Duncan's retirement is near, and the Spurs have to prepare for that day.

Gobert reminds me a lot of Ryan Hollins. He's long, very athletic and a good shot-blocker. There is some question about the level of competition he faces, but his size and run-and-jump athleticism is undeniable.